Sir Alex Ferguson yesterday named the team that has lured him away from his beloved Manchester United after 26 years – wife Cathy and his 11 grandchildren.

His missus of 47 years watched from the stands as the kids – all with “Grandad” printed on their United shirts – gathered around him on the Old Trafford pitch.

The 71-year-old United gaffer revealed he had known since Christmas that he was leaving the club to be with Cathy, 74, after a death in the family.

Sir Alex, who has three sons, said: “Things changed when Cathy’s sister died. She’s isolated a lot now and I think I owe her a lot of my own time.

“For 47 years she’s been the leader of the family, looked after our three sons and sacrificed for me, now she’s got lots of grandchildren, they all dote on her and I think she’s lost her best friend, so I think I owe her time.

“Also, it is important to go out a winner, that is really important at this club.”

Sir Alex laughed and chatted with the grandchildren during the emotional retirement tribute and celebration of his 13th League title victory.

As 75,000 fans cheered and waved their ‘Champions’ flags, he held the Premier League trophy aloft and congratulated his players after beating Swansea.

It was an extraordinary last home game for Fergie as Rio Ferdinand’s first goal for five years secured a 2-1 win. Close to tears, the gum-chewing manager, famous for his hair-dryer dressing room rants, said: “Fantastic. What a send-off. I was bubbling there a bit. Thank you once again from all the Ferguson family, they’re all up there, 11 grandchildren – thank you.

As revealed in the Mirror last week, Fergie dropped Wayne Rooney from the squad, possibly signalling the 27-year-old striker's Old Trafford career was over.

When Rooney, 27, received his Premier League medal, there was a cursory handshake and pat on the back from the boss, unlike many other players who received a warm hug.

Alex Ferguson with wife Cathy on their wedding day

But Rooney seemed unconcerned as he too played the family man, happily joining eight months pregnant wife Coleen, 26, and their three-year-old son Kai.

Sir Alex paid a special tribute to the United fans. Many had brought home-made banners praising Fergie. But one in particular summed up their feelings – For Every Red Gratitude Is Eternal.

Thousands fought back tears as Sir Alex took the mic to thank them for their unwavering support.

“I’ve got no script in my mind,” he said. “I’m just going to ramble on and hope I get to the core of what this club is meant to be. First, it’s a thank you to Manchester United – not just the directors, not just the medical staff, the coaching staff, the players, the supporters, it’s all of you.

“You have been the most fantastic experience of my life.

“I have been very fortunate. I have been able to manage some of the greatest players in the country, let alone Manchester United.

“My retirement doesn’t mean the end of my life with the club.

“I will now be able to enjoy watching them rather than suffer with them.

“I’d also like to remind you that when we had bad times here the club stood by me, all my staff stood by me, the players stood by me – your job now is to stand by our new manger. That is important.

“I wish the players every success in the future. You know how good you are, you know the jersey you are wearing, you know what it means to everyone here.

“Don’t let yourselves down. The expectation is always there.”

He also found time to pay tribute to United legend Paul Scholes who is also retiring at the end of the season.

Rio Ferdinand was delighted to give Ferguson a winning send-off following the “devastating’’ news that the long-serving Scot would be stepping down.

The former captain said: “He deserved to have three points in his last home game. Obviously it was a personal moment between him and the squad, it’s emotional.

“For us to hear him say it, we were devastated, but as you know this is a great club, we have to move on.’’

Sir Alex leaves the Old Trafford pitch as manager for the last time

Star striker Robin van Persie said: “For me it was a massive honour to have worked with him. I want to thank him, he’s been unbelievable. He’s a great manager and an even greater person. He deserves all the credit. He’s amazing.’’

Fergie – who lives in a £2 million mock Tudor mansion in Wilmslow, Cheshire – admitted he struggled to keep the news of his decision to retire under wraps.

He had not even told members of his immediate family until the official announcement was made.

He said: “It was very difficult. Sometimes I nearly blurted it out to the family. We told our sons around about March.

“My brother didn’t even know until about Tuesday night, because I wanted to tell the players first really, the players and my staff. But unfortunately those rumours came out – where they come from, you never know. This club’s like a sieve. Stuff leaks out that shouldn’t leak.”

A host of big names used Twitter to pay tributes. Even comedian John Bishop, a huge fan of United’s arch rivals Liverpool, praised Fergie, saying: “It doesn’t matter who you support, you have to accept Sir Alex deserves the plaudits and showed class when he spoke.” Fans also paid tribute to Sir Alex for showing support for new boss David Moyes.